The grey aura was quickly poured entirely into Zong Yuan’s glabella. Then, the talisman began to change color, forming a pale golden character for ‘Soul.’

It connected to over a dozen spiritual markings externally, spreading across Zong Yuan’s entire body. Yet, in just a moment, they all vanished.

Zong Shou didn't notice the strange atmosphere behind him at all. He just smiled faintly, watching Zong Yuan’s form.

This was a soul-controlling secret art from the Demonic Sect that he had occasionally glimpsed in the library in his later life.

It required the power of nearly ten thousand Yin Souls to condense into a talisman to control a Xiantian expert. If there were a hundred thousand, even a Martial Sect realm expert might be attempted.

However, Zong Shou had never tested whether it was effective—firstly, because he wasn't a Spiritual Master, and secondly, because he couldn't possibly slaughter ten thousand people. It was only here, near a battlefield, that Zong Shou considered this method. Besides, there were so many dead bodies nearby, their vengeful spirits yet dispersed, destined to be collected by the Demonic Sect sooner or later anyway.

“Right, and there’s this too! I almost forgot, this is essential gear for a Demonic Sect disciple—”

Zong Shou recalled something else and quickly rummaged through his pouch, soon producing seven silver needles. They were as fine as a strand of hair, and the base of each needle resembled a blooming black lotus.

This was one of the mortal artifacts left on Ming Jue, called the Seven Lotus Soul Needles, and it was a top-tier talisman artifact.

Its original purpose was to temporarily subdue and control high-level spirit beasts, having quite a miraculous effect. But at this moment, Zong Shou had a different use in mind. He inserted the Seven Lotus Soul Needles one by one into Zong Yuan’s hairpins. Only one was pierced precisely into the center of his glabella, sinking beneath the skin, leaving only a lotus imprint visible on the surface.

If one were to speak of controlling the spirit and soul of the living, the Magic Banner Sect were indeed experts. Ming Jue’s personal belongings contained countless Gu insects and sinister talisman artifacts.

Zong Shou found them all too disgusting and insidious, so he simply destroyed them. Only these Seven Lotus Soul Needles, a trademark item of Demonic Sect disciples, whose refinement method was common enough that disciples from all sects carried them, were kept by him.

And when this lotus imprint merged completely with the pale golden ‘Soul’ character, Zong Shou flicked his finger, sending a sharp surge of vital energy outward. He shattered all the ropes binding Zong Yuan and simultaneously undid the chakra nodes within the man’s body.

Hu Zhongyuan’s expression immediately shifted upon seeing this, showing a slight hint of caution. Zong Yuan, however, let out a muffled groan and turned to flee without hesitation.

He harbored no thought of fighting Zong Shou to the death. Before him stood a Martial Sect expert of Earth Wheel Five Meridians, and Zong Shou, though only a quasi-Core Xiantian, possessed martial prowess that even Hu Qianqiu, the second strongest on Qian Tian Mountain, could not overcome. Facing these two, he didn't even possess the qualification to fight desperately.

Because he had been bound for so long, his Qi and blood were congested, making Zong Yuan’s body slightly stiff. However, his speed was truly lightning fast, covering over thirty zhang in an instant.

But he barely managed to escape fifty zhang when Zong Shou, smiling faintly, formed a spiritual mudra with his hands, uttered a single True Word, and pointed from a distance: “Hold him!”

As these words left his mouth, Zong Yuan’s limbs instantly froze. However, his forward momentum was not yet halted, and the man immediately sprawled onto the ground.

Zong Shou chuckled, then shifted his hand seal again: “Return to me!”

Zong Yuan tried to resist, but even with his full effort, his body involuntarily stood up and then hopped back to Zong Shou’s side.

He couldn't move his body at all, only glaring fiercely at Zong Shou, wishing he could kill this younger cousin with his eyes alone.

“Strange, the movements seem too stiff…”

Zong Shou shook his head, slightly puzzled. It seemed this Demonic Sect secret art wasn't as effective as described in the book? It was rumored to control the subject flawlessly, even more reliably than a spirit beast.

He tried again, using the spiritual art to direct Zong Yuan’s movements, making him execute that set of Purple Lightning Spear forms. But the execution was extremely awkward, lacking any of the majesty expected of a peak Xiantian. The circulation of internal energy was also somewhat obstructed.

Through this back-and-forth, Zong Shou managed to grasp the situation. Zong Yuan’s will still exerted some influence over his own body; refusing to cooperate meant the movements could not be fluid.

Chu Xue tilted her head, watching from the side. After a while, she asked with confusion, “Young Master, this seems rather useless. When you fight others, do you also have to make these hand seals? Isn't that troublesome? Besides, with just one finger, I could take this one down!”

Zong Shou felt a pang of frustration. This secret art certainly wasn't supposed to be this troublesome. Normally, it should only require a single thought to command, not much worse than a spirit beast, so why the need for seals?

Xuanyuan Yiren pondered for a moment, then hesitated as if wanting to speak but stopping herself. Only when Zong Shou looked her way did she speak without reservation, shaking her head: “Did the Young Marquis obtain this secret technique from the Demonic Sect? Yiren has never heard that the methods of Xia Men could truly control the will of a martial artist with strong heaven-defying will. Furthermore, this technique should require dedicated Demonic Artifacts for control. The Dharmas of the Demonic Sect are mostly wicked and insidious. The Young Marquis is the future Demon King, destined to rule millions; schemes and slaughter will inevitably be necessary. But it is best to use such unjust and unrighteous evil arts as little as possible. As for this Zong Yuan, he is, after all, the Young Marquis’s cousin. Humiliating him like this is worse than simply slaying him with a sword. Since this method is useless, you might as well grant him a swift death—”

Hearing Xuanyuan Yiren gradually turn her remarks into a lecture, Zong Shou couldn't help but feel a twinge in his jaw.

Zong Yuan, meanwhile, was incredibly moved, almost brought to tears. Miss Xuanyuan truly was a good person! It was a great fortune for Qian Tian Mountain to have such a mistress. In his current state, he would rather just die this way.

Zong Shou closed his eyes in deep thought. The Demonic Secret Canon he obtained was indeed an incomplete text, missing pages from the front. Even with the addition of the Seven Lotus Soul Needles now, it couldn't make up the difference. However, it wasn't entirely without a solution. Half a moment later, just as a glimmer of hope shone in Zong Yuan’s eyes, Zong Shou suddenly spoke out harshly: “Why is it useless? If he dares to disobey me in the future, I will make him stand at the gate of Qian Tian Mountain City and humiliate himself for three days and three nights! I’ll make him wish for life but be unable to die!”

Before the words even finished, Zong Yuan slumped to the ground with a thud, two lines of clear tears streaming from his eyes. Who said a man does not weep easily? It is only because he has not reached his deepest sorrow. How could he have fallen into the hands of this little demon lord?

Hu Zhongyuan’s eyes immediately lit up, and he praised loudly, “Young Marquis, brilliant! You actually have this method. Hu Zhongyuan has learned a new trick today. The Young Marquis is truly a peerless genius, surpassing others in wisdom. I am deeply impressed, deeply impressed!”

Zong Shou was secretly astonished and couldn’t help but cast a sidelong glance at Hu Zhongyuan. He thought to himself that this fellow’s actual skills weren't much, but his ability to flatter was certainly top-notch.

Chu Xue and Xuanyuan Yiren, however, blushed deeply, both spitting a soft “Tsk,” and turning their heads away.

This method was truly vicious. Anyone who still possessed a modicum of dignity would never dare to casually defy an order again.

Xuanyuan Yiren frowned deeper for a moment, but then her expression settled. Since Zong Yuan chose to oppose Zong Shou, he naturally had to bear the consequences. Although Zong Shou's actions were a bit excessive, they were also justifiable.

Though she upheld the path of benevolence and righteousness, she was not rigid.

Zong Shou formed another hand seal, and sure enough, Zong Yuan stopped resisting, becoming a puppet under his command, without any stiffness whatsoever.

He then let out a dry laugh and released his control over Zong Yuan. However, the man’s life and death remained in his thoughts. He wasn’t worried about Zong Yuan escaping or attempting suicide.

With a casual wave, he collected the useful beast crystals and then moved to erase the spiritual array here. Zong Shou suddenly raised his eyebrows and looked into the distance.

Several Fanming Knights were indeed flying toward this location. They were three Xiantian Martial Masters, clad in black armor, riding Wind Steed Ponies. In just a moment, they arrived before them. Upon spotting Xuanyuan Yiren, the leading man’s eyes instantly brightened.

After whipping their mounts a few more times, they stopped before Xuanyuan Yiren and bowed low: “My Lady, blessings! The City Lord’s wife is gravely ill. We are ordered by Lord City Lord to request your swift return!” As he spoke, he cast a sweeping glance around, and his gaze instantly turned chilling upon seeing Zong Shou.

Xuanyuan Yiren froze for a moment, then in the next breath, her eyes, sharp enough to chill the air, coldly fixed upon Li Yuniang behind her.

The latter bowed her head slightly and sighed internally. These people had finally arrived, but they had come far too late.

Just as Li Yuniang was sighing, in a misty area near this spot, completely unnoticed by Zong Shou, an elder’s voice was also expressing regret.

“That single sword strike truly held a profound and distant resonance, endlessly memorable. Even half a day later, it remains unforgettable. What an excellent example of one who attacks well, dwelling in the Ninth Heaven. It is no wonder that Hu Qianqiu ultimately fell before him. Considering it closely, it was truly a sword soaring through the heavens, unrestricted, untraceable, and endlessly mutable. This is no longer a mundane sword—”

As he spoke these words, Yan Fan’s face was filled with savoring recollection, as if still immersed in some state of enlightenment.

“Thinking carefully, this agile sword intent is incredibly similar, perfectly compatible, with the Hundred Spirits Marvelous Sword of our Five Absolute Mountain Villa. With only minor cultivation, one could achieve mastery—”

Although this place was suspended in mid-air, within the clouds, tables, chairs, and settings were all prepared.

Sitting opposite the manor’s table was the Taiyuan Fairy, Shui Lingbo, who was currently sneering relentlessly.

“How shameless! You say he is suited to cultivate your Hundred Spirits Marvelous Sword? Given his innate talent for the Way of the Sword, what sword art can he not cultivate to its peak?”

Yan Fan chuckled and opened one eye: “Has the Fairy not given up yet? This child willingly gave up immense wealth just to save the millions of common people here. This shows a benevolent nature, making him one of us of the Righteous Path!”

“Benevolent nature? Merely a casual handout, and you call it benevolent nature? If that were true, he wouldn’t practice such an evil sword art!”

What started as a rebuttal soon made Shui Lingbo more animated, her eyes shining: “This child kills without batting an eye, is meticulous in thought, ruthless in action, and possesses an excellent disposition—he is perfectly suited for my Cycle of Life Dao!”

“That is where you are mistaken!” Yan Fan shook his head: “This child knew clearly that those slaves were doomed, yet he still acted without hesitation, showing his true nature. How could a child like this be suitable for your Cycle of Life Dao? As for that sword art—”